Posts tagged mean girls

Not only is Maggie Lamond Simone a hilariously funny writer with great insights into parenting, but she’s also a redhead. What’s not to love?

Check out her great article on “Mean Girls” from the Huff Post. Apparently, she and I have more in common than just the hair; in her article and in Friendship & Other Weapons, we both write about parents helping kids cope with bullying by teaching them critical skills, such as standing up for themselves, reaching out to others who are being bullied, championing what they like about themselves, and not tolerating meanness.

“If we help our girls develop/retain their self-esteem, there’s a better chance they will be neither bully nor victim.”

In my little neck of the woods, we are all a-buzz with thoughts and wishes about the postcards scheduled to be mailed from our local elementary school tomorrow, letting us know who our kids’ teachers will be for the coming school year. While I have hopes for a specific teacher with a reputation for inspiring creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, what I am really wishing for most is that my daughter’s class be filled with nice kids.

The little voice inside my head nags that that expectation is too high. We are approaching the third grade year–girls are getting meaner. I hate to say it. I don’t want to give in to stereotypes. But I know it to be true. The bullying that “peaks in middle school” according to statistics, grows very strong roots in elementary school. (more…)

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Signe Whitson is an author and educator on bullying, crisis intervention, and child and adolescent emotional and behavioral health. In her articles, books, and training workshops, Signe provides down-to-earth, practical advice for professionals and parents on navigating the daily challenges of living and working with children, tweens and teens.